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How Far Have We Fallen? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because of the rapid information flow, the changes occur faster and the regressions become the norm, as is seen in the acceptance of homosexuality and abortion.
Unprepared
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOnly those close to God will be able to handle the turmoil. No carnal solutions offered by survivalists will ultimately save us from these calamities.
Casuistry and Fanaticism
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Pharisees could be considered a casuist, a person who resolves religious or ethical arguments with subtle arguments that are in fact sophistries.
Never Saw it Coming
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThievery, both literal and metaphorical, is commonplace, but because of normalcy bias, we underestimate threat warnings, thinking that nothing will get in our way.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe must learn the lessons of godly leadership now because our positions in the Kingdom will require their use. Society demonstrates a lack of personal leadership.
The Olivet Prophecy Paradox
Sermon by David C. GrabbeSome have been perplexed about the apparent paradox within Christ's Olivet Prophecy which, on one hand, describes the end time in human history—so severe that without the intervention of Almighty God, no flesh would survive. But, on the other hand, Christ compares those same days to the ordinary routines of Noah's and Lot's times, namely eating, drinking, marrying, buying, and selling, that is, life carrying on as if nothing were amiss. The paradox can be neutralized by realizing that Christ does not emphasize the prosperity but the suddenness of the destruction, striking when people least expect it. The paradox is also resolved when we realize the incredible ability of people to adapt to suffering such as the victims of the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII when people maintained a sense of "normal life" amid horrific conditions, some heroically, while others betrayed their fellow victims through compromise. Humans have an incredible resilience seeming "normal" even though tribulation. The true danger is not the result of human weapons or disasters, but Almighty God's "days of vengeance" on both Israel and the gentile nations for rebellion and oppression. In this context, unless God shortens those days, all flesh would perish. Adaptability can numb us to sin. Just as elites of the Warsaw Ghetto danced among the corpses, God's people tragically can adapt to lawlessness as their love turns ice cold. God's people must resist adapting to sin and spiritual complacency but stay ready for Christ's unexpected return.
COVID-19 and Returning to Normal
Commentary by David C. GrabbeWhile we naturally desire to 'get back to normal,' what the United States experienced before COVID-19 was hardly normal when viewed from God's perspective.
For the Children
Sermon by David C. GrabbeFor too many youths, God's way of life is not real because their parents are not fully convicted, but merely express a lukewarm preference for God's truth.
The Falling Away
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe scope of the prophesied falling away is obviously international, affecting the entire world, involving a dramatic global rejection of even basic truth.
Hedging Our Bet
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityMankind desires to see into the future to control what is to come, realizing that knowing a future outcome can take the hazard out of decision-making.
Crisis? What Crisis?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe would recognize something as horrible as the Great Depression, right? We would know if we had entered the Crisis! But would we?
Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe tongue may be the most untamed beast on earth! James says we all offend in word. But James 3 is filled with wisdom regarding how we can overcome the beast.